Abstract: A self-propelled motorized infant stroller powered by DC electric motors with safely controlled acceleration and deceleration. As a discrete safety function, the controlled acceleration and deceleration prevents the child occupant from lurching, either forward or backward, upon the starting or stopping of the baby carriage. A single speed control dial establishes the setting of the desired traversing speed. The propulsion system is safely controlled through the use of a set of dual handle switches that both must be simultaneously depressed to start the propulsion system. A safety seat harness is used to protect the infant occupant from sliding or climbing out of the carriage seat. Additional safety is provided by a parking brake system to prevent accidental propulsion or any unforeseen stroller movement, particularly when stopped on an inclined surface.

Abstract: A band brake for selectively holding a rotating element motionless includes means for evenly distributed application of force to the band brake. In some embodiments of the invention ball or roller bearings are used to apply evenly distributed forces to the band brake. In other embodiments of the invention, the band brake has variable thickness and the thicker portions are wedged between a rotating member and some outer member to hold the rotating member motionless. In at least one embodiment, selectively movable pairs of mirror-image ball or roller bearings are used to apply braking force directly to a rotating element.

Abstract: A hedge clipper is provided that has an internal combustion engine that is to be started by hand. By means of a clutch and a gear mechanism, the engine drives cutting blades in a reciprocating manner; the cutting blades are guided and held in a cutter bar. Disposed on the output side of the clutch is a brake drum around which extends a brake band. The first end of the brake band is fixed to the housing, and the second end of the brake band is held on a pivotable brake lever that is acted upon by a brake spring that urges the brake band into engagement against the brake drum. The brake lever can be moved into an inoperative position of the band brake by a release lever against the force of the brake spring. The release lever cooperates with an adjusting cam that is disposed directly adjacent to the brake lever and in the inoperative position of the band brake forms a rest stop for the brake lever, receiving the force of the brake spring.

Abstract: An improvement to prior art bag closure affixing devices of the type embodied in U.S. Pat. No. 3,163,967 to easily accommodate bags of various neck widths without the need for gear or sprocket changes. The improvement encompasses a modified clutch control for the bag closing head. The clutch is controlled by a clutch actuating arm which is mechanically connected to the clutch. When the actuating arm is depressed, the clutch disengages from a first stop surface and rotates only partially until engaging a second stop surface. The second stop surface remains in contact with the clutch, preventing completion of the closing cycle, until the bag neck completely passes over the actuating arm and the actuating arm is released. The second stop surface then disengages the clutch allowing the bag closing head to complete a closing cycle with bags of varying neck sizes without frictional damage to the bag or incomplete entry of the full bag neck.

Abstract: A braking device for a power working machine, which is capable of immediately stopping the movement of the working portion when an internal combustion engine is shifted to an idling state, includes a transmission shaft, a brake drum fixed to the transmission shaft, and a brake band wound around the brake drum. The brake band is formed of a leaf spring material band, which is biased to shrink the diameter thereof, one end of which is pivotally supported on a supporting pin, and the other end of which is formed into a bent free end.

Abstract: A band brake drum supporting device for an automatic transmission having a band drum to be retained in a case by fastening a band brake which is joined to a rotary element of the automatic transmission and arranged in the case. The drum includes a band engaging portion and a cylindrical drum supporting portion extending radially inward from the band engaging portion while being offset axially with respect to the band engaging portion. The outer circumference of the drum supporting portion is supported through two axially juxtaposed bearings on a stationary support portion which extends radially outward of the drum supporting portion from the case. The stationary support portion includes a cylindrical boss portion disposed coaxially with the drum supporting portion and engaging at its inner circumference with the two bearings and a planar flange portion extending radially outward from the end portion of the boss portion which is located closer to the band brake.

Abstract: A parking brake is incorporated in a power shift transmission having an input assembly, an idle assembly and an output assembly housed within a transmission housing, the input assembly provided with an input shaft, an input gear fixedly secured to the input shaft for rotation therewith in unison and an output gear selectively couplable to the input gear. The parking brake includes a brake drum extending from the output gear toward the input gear in a coaxial relationship with the input shaft and having a cylindrical outer circumference. A brake band is wrapped around the outer circumference of the brake drum and has a stationary end secured to the transmission housing and a movable end displaceable with respect to the stationary end. A band actuator is operatively associated with the movable end of the brake band for selectively tightening the brake band into frictional contact with the brake drum and loosening the brake band out of contact with the brake drum.

Abstract: A cutter has a drive motor and a drive shaft. A rotating cutting tool is connected to the drive shaft. A centrifugal clutch is connected between the drive motor and the drive shaft. A frictional brake having a brake drum and a brake element positioned on the brake drum to achieve a braking effect is provided. The frictional brake is connected to the drive shaft. A servo device, which includes a folding bellows, is connected to the frictional brake for releasing the brake element from the brake drum to cancel the braking effect. A switching device for activating the servo device is provided.

Abstract: A transmission control for a multi-speed planetary gear arrangement is responsive to thrust forces generated by the band at the band drum support controlled by an on-coming friction device during a ratio interchange to generate a control signal. The control signal is used to begin the disengagement process of the off-going friction device.

Abstract: A tensioning mechanism for a vehicle auxiliary seat which spans a space between first and second adjacent structures. In a preferred embodiment, the tensioning mechanism includes a; ratchet having a telescopically extended ratchet arm and wherein the ratchet can only be adjusted to a position tensioning the seat or adjusted to release the seat when the ratchet arm is extended.

Abstract: A clutch drum in an automatic transmission houses therein a clutch mechanism through which the clutch drum is driven. The clutch drum is rotatably mounted on a fixed shaft forming part of a transmission housing and comprised of a drum main body having a cylindrical drum section which is spaced from and coaxial with the fixed shaft. The drum main body is formed of aluminum alloy. A cylindrical friction material is fixed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical drum section and frictionally contactable with a brake band wrapped around the drum main body. The brake is applied to the clutch drum upon tightening the brake band.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a printer which has a pair of tractors that engage sprocket holes in the paper to adjust for different paper widths or to adjust the lateral position of the paper. The apparatus comprises a pair of coaxial lead screws, one attached to a rotatable shaft and the second rotatable on the shaft adjacent to and relative to the one lead screw. One tractor is coupled to each lead screw. Rotation of the one lead screw is obtained by a knob keyed to an end of the rotatable shaft. Rotation of the second lead screw is prevented during rotation of the knob by spring loaded fingers with detent elements engageable with detention gearing on the end of the second lead screw. Rotation of both screws is obtained by rotation and axial movement of the knob on the shaft so that a cam surface on the knob engages cams of the spring fingers to disengage detent elements from the detention gearing and drive gearing on the knob engages drive gearing on the second lead screw.

Abstract: A clutch/brake mechanism designed for use in a power driven system which delivers relatively high braking and driving power while avoiding simultaneous engagement of the clutch and the brake includes a device for actuating the clutch and the brake such that the clutch is effectively engaged by relatively slight actuation of the actuator device and the brake is effectively engaged by relatively considerable actuation of the actuator device.

Abstract: A transmission and brake assembly for driving the auger of a snow blower wherein the transmission includes a multiple disk wet clutch and the brake is juxtaposed to this clutch but separated from it by a wall so that the liquid will not adversely effect the frictional brake. An operating mechanism is incorporated that effects release of the brake upon engagement of the clutch and vice versa with a lost motion period wherein both are disengaged.

Abstract: A circular hub containing an outside brake drum, an inside clutch drum spaced concentrically inward from the brake drum, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced supporting webs rigidly connecting the drums to each other; a plurality of spaced heat conducting fins attached to the inside of the brake drum and spaced away from the clutch drum to reduce the heat conduction from the brake drum to the clutch drum.

Abstract: A mechanical clutch is described having a spring loaded clutch ring with a drive pin extending through a hole in a hub of a wheel and into a notch of a drive shaft. When pressure is exerted on the outer portion of the drive wheel, the spring is compressed and the drive pin is removed from the notch of the drive shaft. This allows the drive shaft to turn freely within the wheel and hub.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotary lawn mower comprising a housing supported for rotation along the ground, an engine mounted on the housing and including a rotatably mounted crankshaft, a cutter blade located in the housing and fixed to the crankshaft, a braking surface located on the crankshaft and having common rotation therewith, a brake arm supported for movement relative to the engine between a braking position and a non-braking position, which brake arm has thereon a brake surface which is engagable with the braking surface when the brake arm is in the braking position, a spring biasing the brake arm toward the braking position, an actuating linkage for moving the brake arm into the non-braking position against the action of the brake arm biasing spring, and a lost motion connection between the brake arm and the actuating linkage.

Abstract: An emergency braking system of a chain saw including a hand guard located in front of a front handle bar, and an inertia trigger. The hand guard is pivotally supported by a body of the chain saw and urged by the biasing force of a spring to move downwardly so that its lower end is located in spaced juxtaposed relation to a lever of an actuation device. The inertia trigger is pivotally supported at one end thereof by the hand guard and biased so as to thereby prevent the hand guard from moving downwardly.

Abstract: A belt or chain-operated clutch and brake apparatus for lawnmowers which is mounted above the blade shroud or housing, and includes a shaft with a cooperating split drum assembly having a hub keyed to the shaft and oppositely-disposed, spring-loaded brake shoes bolted to opposed drum segments and pivoted to the hub plate attached to the hub. At least one drive pulley is freely rotatable on the shaft above the split drum assembly and carries a pulley drum which is shaped to define a round, downwardly extending drum flange located between the brake shoes and the drum segments in the split drum assembly. The brake shoes are biased into contact with the drum flange of the pulley drum in order to effect rotation of the split drum assembly and the shaft when the pulley is driven by a V-belt. A brake band encircles the drum segments in the split drum assembly and is secured to a fixed post at one end and a movable post at the opposite end for selectively tightening on the drum segments.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism between rotating drive and driven members particularly for smaller horsepower applications. A drum is carried on the drive member. The driven member carries clutch shoes that are movable into and out of engagement with the drum. Springs are provided for effecting movement of the shoes into engagement with the drum to drivingly clutch the drive and driven members together. A brake band is provided for selectively effecting movement of the shoes out of engagement with the drum and to stop rotation of the driven member without interrupting the rotation of the drive member.

Abstract: A blade-brake clutch device of a lawn mower in which a brake drum of an internal expanding type brake and a clutch drum of a centrifugal type clutch are combined together with back to back relation and fixedly secured to a rotating shaft of a mower blade, there being provided a clutch boss member for holding clutch shoes of the centrifugal clutch and fixedly secured to an output rotating shaft of an engine of the lawn mower.

Abstract: A fan clutch having an engaged and disengaged mode of operation comprising: a plurality of centrifugal force responsive friction shoes for drivingly engaging an engagement surface; of the engagement and disengagement of the friction shoes controlled by plurality to disks, one of the disks rotatable relative to the other disk.

Abstract: A chain winch 10 having a sprocket wheel 14 of polygonal cross-section with flat faces 32 dimensioned in dependence on the dimensions of a link chain to be used therewith and having pin formations 36 for engaging between or in chain links. The winch includes a self latching pawl 48 engageable with the chain links and a braking mechanism 16 for controlled unwinding when required in use. The winch is simple and inexpensive and the sprocket tolerant of chain dimensions so that it can be used with uncalibrated chain. This winch, amongst other things, has application for permanent fitting to a tire chain for tensioning it on to a tire.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism designed to include a free-wheeling unit which is disengageable in the driving direction consisting of a clutch hub and a clutch sleeve which cooperate with locking catches, with the clutch sleeve being embraced by a control ring. Control pins are radially guided in the clutch sleeve and, by turning the control ring relative to the clutch sleeve, inclined faces formed on the control ring act on the control pins to actuate the locking catches to permit disengagement of the driving connection.

Abstract: A manually powered skateboard which includes a transmission wheel mounted on a rear wheel axle and coaxial with a rear hub having a rear wheel mounted thereon. The transmission wheel is connected to the rear hub through a one-way clutch. A drive wheel mounted on a drive shaft which is disposed under a platform to drive the transmission wheel, and is parallel to the rear wheel axle. A first flexible tension element is wound on the drive wheel and pullable by a user to rotate the drive wheel and in turn the transmission wheel. The first spring is acting on the drive wheel to wind up the tension element. A brake cam cooperates with the drive wheel through a clutch to selectively rotate with the drive wheel to effect the brake action to the rim of the rear wheel. The clutch is actuated by a brake pedal disposed on the front region of the platform. Thus the braking action is effected only by clutching the drive wheel to the brake cam.

Abstract: In a tractor power take-off mechanism comprising an input shaft driveable from an engine by a friction clutch and a two-speed power take-off shaft driveable from the input shaft by gearing including a disengageable toothed driving member operable by a hand lever by way of a selector fork, the disengageable toothed driving member can be difficult and noisy to engage because the input shaft tends to rotate due to inertia and drag when the friction clutch is disengaged. The input shaft is therefore provided with a band brake applied by initial movement of the hand lever in a direction to engage the disengageable toothed driving member and held applied while an operating load is being exerted on the lever in that direction. A conventional detent holding the selector fork in disengaged position provides the resistance required to cause the brake to be applied before the lever can move the fork into engaged position.

Abstract: A mower drive mechanism including a clutch-brake assembly, a travel control and neutral lift-off assembly, and a traction sensor assembly for a friction disc transmission having a driven disc engageable with a drive disc. The clutch-brake assembly includes a rockshaft, bellcrank actuator asssembly, and swing plate for raising the driven disc of the friction disc transmission when the rockshaft rotates a predetermined amount. Further rotation of the rockshaft causes a brake arm to come into engagement with a brake hub on the drive shaft for the driven disc thereby effecting a braking action. Also, a spring force is applied to the rockshaft which is transmitted through the bellcrank actuator assembly to the swing plate for biasing the driven disc toward the drive disc in a driving mode. The travel control and neutral lift-off assembly includes a rotatable control member for causing the driven disc to be moved linearly along its drive shaft to a desired speed and direction of rotation setting.

Abstract: A decoupling and speed governing mechanism is disclosed for a spring returned drive train driven by a stepper motor. A pinion assembly in the drive train is rotatably coupled to the rotor by dogs on the assembly which engage spokes in a rotor in the motor when the assembly is in a first position along the axis of the rotor. The pinion assembly also includes weighted shoes which move outwardly when the assembly rotates at greater than a predetermined speed to frictionally engage an internal drum surface in the rotor to govern the drive train speed when the assembly is in a second axial position relative to the rotor.

Abstract: A lawn mower including an engine having an output shaft, an air impeller, a plurality of cutter blades, and a driven shaft having the air impeller and the cutter blades connected thereto. The driven shaft is connected to the output shaft of the engine through a centrifugal clutch having a drum, and a brake band is located in a path of air drawn by suction by the air impeller for clamping against the outer periphery of the drum of the centrifugal clutch to interrupt rotation of the driven shaft.

Abstract: A one-rotation clutch for selectively establishing and interrupting transmission of a drive force from a drive source to an object to be driven. A coil spring loosely surrounds the outer peripheries of mutually opposing sprocket member and a cam member. One end of the coil spring is retained by the cam member and the other end by a sleeve, which is rotatable relative to the sprocket member. A locking member is provided to selectively stop the rotation of the sleeve driven by a solenoid. When the sleeve is stopped, the sprocket member idles. When the sleeve is caused to follow the movement of the sprocket member, the coil spring binds the sprocket member and cam member to impart the drive force to the cam member. A pin is studded on the cam member such that when the cam member is rotated in a predetermined direction, the pin immediately abuts against the locking member to urge it away from the sleeve.

Abstract: A combined safety clutch and brake mechanism for a rotary lawn mower blade has a driven blade carrier with self-energizing centrifugal shoes biased to engagement with a driving drum. Brake drum segments fixed to the shoes are engaged by a brake band which physically forces the shoes to declutched position. To ensure reliable operation, the brake band is connected to a lever arm which is strongly biased to brake-ON position by a coil spring engaged about a guide rod and disposed along the movable end portion of the brake band, in a chordal position between the band and a surrounding protective bowl. The geometry of the lever arm and spring thrust line progressively reduces the force required to actuate the brake band to OFF position, relative to the spring force, as the lever arm is moved and the spring compressed.

Abstract: A power saw, especially power chain saw, in which a sprocket wheel is driven by a motor through the intervention of an intermediate clutch acting as safety clutch, and which comprises a control member for disengaging the intermediate clutch. The control member is by means of an actuating member returnable to its ineffective position. The power saw furthermore comprises a follower member which is movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position and vice versa for respectively connecting and disconnecting the clutch elements of the intermediate clutch. The power saw also includes a clutch with a clutch drum and also has a brake member cooperating with the clutch drum. The brake member is designed as brake band and is looped around the clutch drum.

Abstract: A lawn mower blade clutch-brake mechanism having a driving drum and a driven blade carrier, the carrier having clutch shoes engageable with the inside of the drum and brake drum segments fixed to the shoes and disposed outside the drum for engagement by an encircling brake band which both applies braking drag and mechanically forces the segments inward to disengage the clutch shoes, and including the improvement that the clutch shoes are pivoted to the carrier at their leading ends in the direction of rotation so as to be aggressive and self-energizing, and the segments are pivoted on the same pivots and have trailing ends which are swung outward from a cylindrical position concentric with the axis of rotation when the clutch shoes are engaged so that the segments are first engaged by the brake band at and in the direction of their outward sloping trailing ends.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission having reduced friction direct drive. An input shaft from a flywheel is drivingly connected to a clutch cover and a tubular shaft. The tubular shaft is connected to a sun gear which engages a pair of planetary gears. The planetary gears are connected to an output drive shaft mounted within and coaxial with the flywheel driven tubular shaft by means of a pair of support arms. The other end of the output shaft is connected to a clutch plate mounted adjacent to the flywheel within the clutch housing. A ring gear, mounted within a gear cover, engages the planetary gears. The gear housing is mounted for rotation around both the tubular and output drive shafts. A band brake surrounds the outside of the gear housing. In reduced ratio drive the clutch is disengaged from the flywheel and the band is clamped to the gear housing so that the ring gear is fixed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a number of improvements in a brake-clutch mechanism wherein a drum is carried on the drive member for driving engagement by clutch shoes carried by the driven member. The clutch shoes are normally biased into driving engagement with the drum and a brake band is utilized to move the clutch shoes out of engagement with the drum and to stop rotation of the driven member without interrupting the rotation of the drive member. The improvements relate to a higher torque capability for the mechanism, the exclusion of foreign matter from the mechanism, the mounting for the brake band, the use of the brake band to aid in keeping the braking surfaces clean, and provision for cut-off of the power source in the event the brake band should fail. The disclosure further contemplates a novel arrangement for driving and controlling the chain sprocket of a chain saw.

Abstract: A throttle and brake control mechanism for a rotary lawnmower which is actuated by a single operating cable system. A centrifugal clutch interconnects the engine with the rotary blade of the lawnmower and the clutch includes an outer drum that is connected directly to the blade. On disengagement of the clutch at low throttle speeds, a brake acts to engage the clutch drum to stop free rotation of the drum and blade. The brake is released by an operating cable mechanism which interconnects a throttle operating lever mounted on the handle of the mower with the throttle on the engine. Movement of the operating lever from the idle position toward the full throttle position will initially release the brake from engagement with the clutch drum, and thereafter will operate the throttle to increase the engine speed, enabling the clutch to move to the engaged position to cause rotation of the blade.

Abstract: The drive transmission includes rotatable coaxial drive and driven members with a hub member disposed therebetween. A first clutch is provided between the hub member and the drive member to drivingly clutch those members together with a relatively high energizing force. A second clutch is provided between the hub member and the driven member to drivingly clutch those members together with a generally lower energizing force. The transmission provides for clutch slippage due to excessive loading at the second clutch connection and thereby generally precludes slippage at the first clutch connection.

Abstract: A pair of centrifugally movable shoes are pivotally mounted to a mower blade support. Drive bands are supported by the respective shoes and are positioned so as to be engageable with a source of rotational movement whereby such movement is translated to the blade by the bands, the shoes and the blade support. A brake band selectively engages the shoes to decelerate them thereby braking the blade. Additionally, engagement of the brake band with the shoes moves the latter in opposition to the centrifugal force applied to the shoes during rotation. This results in the drive bands being moved out of engagement with the rotational source.

Abstract: A drum member has a circular base portion and a cylindrical side portion which is formed with holes at positions facing a brake band wrapping the drum member. A cylindrical member is coaxially disposed within the drum member with its one longitudinal end entirely secured to the inside surface of the circular base portion of the drum member. The cylindrical member is formed with holes or openings and is formed with longitudinally extending spline portions to which clutch plates are splined. The other end of the cylindrical member is entirely in contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical side portion of the drum member so that an enclosed chamber is defined by the drum member and the cylindrical member.

Abstract: Segmental clutch shoes are operatively deployed between coaxial drive and driven members and are movable radially and circumferentially therebetween into and out of clutching engagement with a drum on the drive member. Equiangularly spaced projections are provided on the driven member corresponding to the number of clutch shoes and extend into recesses provided in the shoes. The trailing side of the projections are each provided with a cam ramp engageable by the shoe. The shoes are normally biased outwardly toward engagement with the rotating drum, and upon initial contact with the drum, are forced circumferentially into contact with the cam ramp. The load imposed on and by the driven member gives rise to a reactive energizing force to effect movement of the shoes outwardly on the cam ramp and into clutching engagement with the rotating drum to rotationally pick up the driven member.

Abstract: A combined clutch and brake control is provided for a lawn and garden tractor of the type including a traction drive transmission, formed in part by an infinitely variable pulley, and including a traction drive brake. The control includes a clutch brake pedal adapted for connection to the infinitely variable pulley and to the brake and operable when depressed to act on the pulley to sequentially reduce the transmission speed to zero and then apply the brake; and includes a brake pedal coupled to the brake and operable to apply the brake to prevent rolling during hillside operation when the clutch-brake pedal is being depressed through a neutral range or zone located between clutching or speed reducing and braking ranges. An adjustable spring is connected to the brake for limiting the amount of force applied thereto via operation of the clutch-brake and brake pedals.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a number of improvements in a brake-clutch mechanism wherein a drum is carried on the drive member for driving engagement by clutch shoes carried by the driven member. The clutch shoes are normally biased into driving engagement with the drum and a brake band is utilized to move the clutch shoes out of engagement with the drum and to stop rotation of the driven member without interrupting the rotation of the drive member. The improvements relate to a higher torque capability for the mechanism, the exclusion of foreign matter from the mechanism, the mounting for the brake band, the use of the brake band to aid in keeping the braking surfaces clean, and provision for cut-off of the power source in the event the brake band should fail. The disclosure further contemplates a novel arrangement for driving and controlling the chain sprocket of a chain saw.

Abstract: A control system for a rotary type lawnmower having a cutter blade housing supporting an engine and having a handle extending upwardly for manipulation by an operator, the control system including a clutch between the motor shaft and the blade, the clutch being of the centrifugal type and having an external drum surface, a brake caliper assembly having two legs pivoted together near their centers and supported at the pivot by the housing, the inner portions of the legs clamping as a brake on said external drum surface and the outer portions of the legs supporting a spring operative in a direction to urge the inner legs to clamp toward each other, and a manual control including linkages coupled to the throttle and to the outer legs and operative when the control is manually actuated to advance the throttle and unclamp the brake, and when released to return the engine to idle and clamp the brake, contacts being provided on the legs to short-circuit the engine ignition when the brakes become excessively worn.

Abstract: A transport mechanism for articles between a pair of conveyors includes a constantly driven drive member, a driven member and a ball and detent mechanism intercooperating between a pair of confronting surfaces of the members. The transport mechanism is mechanically phased in and out in operation in timed relation to movement of the conveyor to which articles are moved. Mechanical phasing in and out is carried out by a lever having a tooth adapted for engagement in a notch of the driven member and a wheel cooperative with a rail including a gate on the drive member. The transport mechanism is phased out of operation when the wheel enters the gate and phased in in operation when the wheel exits the gate.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a main drive including a main motor and main gearing disposed between the main motor and the unit being driven; an auxiliary drive including an auxiliary motor and auxiliary gearing disposed between the auxiliary motor and the main gearing; a clutch between the auxiliary gearing and the main gearing; and a centrifugal brake connected to the auxiliary drive. A further centrifugal brake is connected to the main drive.

Abstract: A completely enclosed combination clutch and brake mechanism permanently mounted at the bottom of a vertical shaft internal combustion engine of the type used to power rotary lawn mowers, is interposed between the crankshaft of the engine and a coaxial blade shaft projecting down from the bottom of the enclosed clutch and brake mechanism to have the cutting blade of the mower fixed thereto. A rotatable driving member fixed to the engine crankshaft and a rotatable driven member fixed to the blade shaft are drivingly coupled by radially outwardly movable clutch elements carried by the driven member and frictionally engaged with a radially inwardly facing circular surface on the driving member. Such frictional engagement results from the application to the clutch elements of both spring force and centrifugal force.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling device and especially a coupling device operable by a dead-man's handle on a lawnmower. When used in a lawnmower the coupling device couples the motor shaft to the cutting blade. A spool has a hole in it that surrounds the shaft. A rotary connecting device normally couples the spool to the shaft so that the spool and shaft rotate together. A disconnect element and brake are operated when the dead-man's handle is released to disconnect the spool from the shaft and subsequently stop the spool. The cutting blade has a central hole through which the spool passes. The blade is in frictional contact with the flanges of the spool and is rotated thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable motorized chain saw, comprising: a chain sprocket; clutch means positioned between the chain sprocket and the drive shaft of the motor for selectively coupling the chain sprocket with the drive shaft, the clutch means including a drum member; and a brake band positioned in contiguous relationship with the outer circumferential surface of the drum member and including one or more oil stripping openings therein.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a motor driven chain saw having a first clutch element driven by the motor shaft and a second clutch element normally engaged with the first clutch element but disengageable therefrom and a centrifugal clutch between the second clutch element and the drive sprocket for the saw chain. The second clutch element includes a spring disc and is axially yieldable between clutch engaged and clutch disengaged positions. A lever is provided moveable for disengaging the clutch elements and a brake member connected to the lever is operable for braking the drive sprocket when the clutch elements are disengaged.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lawn mower comprising a blade housing supported for travel over the ground, a drive shaft mounted for rotation by the blade housing and including thereon a clutch drum, an engine drivingly connected to the drive shaft for rotation thereof, a cutter blade located in the blade housing and mounted for rotation coaxially with and relative to the drive shaft, a clutch shoe connected to the cutter blade for common rotation therewith and for movement relative to a position of engagement with the clutch drum, a spring urging the clutch shoe into the position of engagement, a brake surface fixed to the clutch shoe, and a brake member movable between a first position wherein the brake member is spaced from the brake surface, and a second position wherein the brake member engages the brake surface to brake rotation of the cutter blade and to displace the clutch shoe from the position of engagement against the action of the spring.